"Minimizing the number of defaulters from immunization programs requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders."

Ethiopia falls short of achieving the target 95% of coverage for childhood immunisation despite efforts by the government and its bilateral and multilateral partners. In analysing the challenges to achieving high coverage in Ethiopia, researchers have seen that there have been virtually no achievements in reducing dropout rates over the years. Several quantitative studies, looking at 12- to 23-month-old children, have pointed to a wide range of sociocultural, health systems, and provider-related factors that contribute to the problem. Using a qualitative approach among a younger age group (6-11 months), this study explored the issue in detail with the aim of helping develop locally appropriate, early intervention strategies to minimise defaulting from immunisation programmes.

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